Trump says he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, in latest deployment to US cities
President Donald Trump announced plans to send troops to Portland, Oregon, asserting the need to confront "domestic terrorists" and protect federal facilities. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek strongly opposed this decision, stating that the city is capable of handling its own public safety needs without military involvement. During a news conference, she emphasized there is no insurrection or national security threat, and she directly communicated her objections to Trump, who offered no timeline for troop deployment. Mayor Keith Wilson echoed Kotek's sentiments, labeling the situation as peaceful and not warranting military action. Kotek urged residents to remain calm and avoid responding to what she described as the president's provocations.
Earlier in the day, there was no federal presence in downtown Portland, where locals enjoyed a sunny afternoon. This announcement follows Trump’s previous threats to send the National Guard to other cities, highlighting ongoing tensions between state and federal governance. Critics, including local leaders, argue that cities require more funding for community services rather than military presence.